It is observed from history and contemporary society that humans are religious animals
or spiritual creatures. But the complexity and variety of religious life have made even
the most sophisticated studies wanting. Identification of different dimensions of
religious life has helped but its enumeration and analysis remain inconclusive. The
recognition and study of a new variety such as quasi religion and implicit religion calls
for exploring newer forms with rigour and openness. Abstract terms such as transcendence,
meaning and truth require unpacking with reference to visions, traditions and experiences.
Genuine and authentic study of religion cannot be confined to departments of universities
and research institutes. Here is an attempt of someone with long experience of study and
dialogue, to integrate scholarly study with interfaith dialogue, which is fascinating and
stimulating.

Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgement

Introduction

1. Defining Religion : Attempts and Conclusions

2. Dimensions and Dynamics of Religion

3. Implicit Religion and its Variety

4. Dialogical Approaches to the Study of Religion

5. Naming the Transcendence

6. Meaning and Meanings in Religious Life

7. The Process of Secularization

8. Truth and Truths of Religions

9. Religious Pluralism and Dialogue

Bibliography

Index

Dr. Israel Selvanayagam has taught religions with reflexive praxis of
interfaith dialogue at Tamilnadu Theological Seminary, Madurai; United Theological
College, Bangalore; Gurukul Theological College and Research Institute, Chennai and at
least four colleges in the West. Currently he is with the Methodist Church in Britain. He
has published extensively both in Tamil and English. His most recent books published by
CWI are `Kristu Bhakti and Krishna Bhakti: A Christian-Hindu Dialogue Contributing to
Comparative Theology' (2017) and (ed.) `Religion, Spirituality and Secularity in
Multi-Religious India: Visions and Experiments' (2017).

If you have any query related to this title,
you can contact us by filling in the following Query Form: